BCLC Latest to Warn People About Illegal Online Casino Scams
The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is the newest provincial lottery organization to alert individuals about fraudulent online casino scams.
Pursuing Scammers is Similar to Playing “Whack a Mole”
According to a spokesperson from the Ontario Provincial Police, the issue is a national one so extensive, involving large criminal syndicates, that it's akin to playing “whack a mole” – you hit one on the head, and another appears immediately in a different location.
This week, the BCLC is warning individuals about a number of social media scams that replicate BC casinos and deceive people into providing their financial information through fraudulent websites.
The fraudulent advertisements and scam posts utilize logos, names, and images from local BC casinos, asserting that players can receive bonuses and promotions for signing up through the illegitimate websites or mobile applications.
Exercise Caution When Sharing Personal Financial Information
In British Columbia, PlayNow.com is the sole authorized platform for individuals to wager through online casinos and sportsbooks. BCLC's official applications include BCLC Lotto!, PlayNow Poker BC, and PlayNow BC Sportsbook.
Social media accounts managed by BCLC have a verification checkmark.
In a statement, the crown agency mentioned that BCLC and the provincial casinos are collaborating to get the posts taken down, but individuals should stay alert.
For instance, BCLC’s authenticated websites and applications will never request a person's social insurance number, credit card details, or banking information online to obtain a prize from a BC casino.
BCLC Alert Comes After Statement from Saskatchewan Lottery Corporation
Authorities encourage residents to verify the URL and domain name of the websites they are accessing. Frequently, fraudsters will utilize a slight spelling variation in comparison to the authentic website. Another warning sign is the mention of fees and taxes that must be paid on winnings: in Canada, there are no fees or taxes on prizes won.
Individuals can notify the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre about suspected fraudulent actions online or by dialing 1-888-495-8501, or they can contact BCLC customer service at 1-866-815-0222.
Users can likewise notify the social media platform about the posts and advertisements.
Earlier this month, Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan (LGS) issued a warning to people to be cautious of Facebook and other social media advertisements for an online version of Dakota Dunes Casino, Casino Regina, or any other physical casino in the province.
